Jackie Chan wins first Oscar after 56 years of movies(photos/video)

When Chan saw an Oscar at the house of Sylvester Stallone23 years ago, he said that was the moment he decided he wanted one.

An Oscar to honor the hard work Chan has put into films for 56 years. On Saturday at the annual Governors Awards, the Chinese actor and martial arts star finally received his little gold statuette, an honorary Oscar for his decades of work in film.

Here is what the iconic action star had to say:

"After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, after so many bones, finally," Chan, 62, quipped at the star-studded gala dinner while holding his Oscar.

Even his parents wondered why he hadn't won a single Oscar after years of remarkable work. The actor recalled watching the ceremony with his parents and his father always asking him why he didn't have Hollywood's top accolade despite having made so many movies.

He gave credit to his roots. He praised his hometown Hong Kong for making him "proud to be Chinese," and thanked his fans, saying they were the reason "I continue to make movies, jumping through windows, kicking and punching, breaking my bones."

He was introduced for his award by some big time A-listers and obvious fans. The actor was introduced by his "Rush Hour" co-star Chris Tucker, actress Michelle Yeoh and Tom Hanks, who referred to him as "Jackie 'Chantastic' Chan."

Hanks said it was especially gratifying to be able to acknowledge Chan's work because martial arts and action comedy films were two genres often overlooked during awards season.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, hosts of the annual ceremony, also bestowed honorary Oscars on British film editor Anne V. Coates, casting director Lynn Stalmaster and prolific documentarian Frederick Wiseman.

Watch video of Chan receiving his Oscar.

It was a ceremony packed with top celebrities.The evening was attended by Hollywood's elite, including Denzel Washington, Lupita Nyong'o, Nicole Kidman, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Amy Adams and Dev Patel.

Other movie makers where also recognized for their input in movies for decades.

Stalmaster, 88, credited with securing career-defining roles for actors such as Jeff Bridges, Andy Garcia, Christopher Reeve and John Travolta, is the first casting director to receive an Oscar.

Coates, 90, who won the film editing Oscar for 1962's "Lawrence of Arabia" and has edited more than 50 films, said she shared her honorary Oscar "with all the unsung heroes" of filmmaking.

Wiseman, 86, whose documentaries include 1970's "Hospital," 1987's "Blind" and last year's "In Jackson Heights," said: "I think it's as important to document kindness, ability and generosity of spirit as it is to show cruelty, banality and indifference," he said.

For years now Jackie Chan has been a global icon in both Chinese and Hollywood movies, with many openly admiring his incredible work ethic and the undeniable value he's brought to the entertainment industry.

Oscar well deserved Mr Chan.

Jackie Chan wins first Oscar after 56 years of movies(photos/video)
Reviewed by Nelson Storm
on
November 13, 2016
Rating: 5